The Lagos State governorship candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party, Olajide Adediran; the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; and the African Democratic Congress, Funso Doherty, made several commitments on Sunday to address critical issues in the state if elected. They pledged to combat thuggery and improve the deteriorating healthcare system. Additionally, the candidates promised to tackle waste management and alleviate traffic congestion in the Apapa area. These statements were made during The Platform Governorship Debate, organized by the Covenant Christian Church in Ikeja.
The All Progressives Congress candidate and incumbent Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chose not to participate in the debate. In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, he expressed his intention to avoid any forum that would require him to share space with the PDP and its “agents of violence.” During the debate, each candidate denounced political violence aimed at intimidating voters. Adediran emphasized the need to address gang violence and rogue police officers who threaten citizens. He proposed rehabilitating hoodlums, stating, “I can convert them to be positive tools, especially the ones that handle our motor parks and our garages.”
Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the issue of youth unemployment in Lagos State, describing it as a significant problem. He noted that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” and emphasized the importance of providing employable skills to the youth, suggesting that such programs should be established at the local government level. Doherty also addressed the need to prioritize the welfare of security agencies, arguing that neglecting their needs could lead to them terrorizing citizens. He advocated for a zero-tolerance policy towards offenders, insisting on strict prosecution under the law. Furthermore, he pointed out the existence of state-sponsored issues within the political structure of Lagos, particularly concerning the agbero community, and asserted that changing the government is essential to instilling the political will needed to address these challenges.
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